JP2010085249A - Automatic analyzer, reagent replenishing apparatus and reagent auto-loading method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analyzer, a reagent container replenishing apparatus and a reagent auto-loading method for improving an analysis efficiency by shortening the reagent container replacement time. <P>SOLUTION: The automatic analyzer 1 includes, reagent storages 2, 3 for storing and refrigerating reagent containers 30 containing reagents, a reserve reagent storage 21 for storing and refrigerating the reagent containers 30 containing the reagents for replenishment and replacement, and a delivery device 22 for delivering the reagent container 30 for replacement stored in the reserve reagent storage 21 to the reagent storages 2, 3 and for delivering the empty reagent container 30 from the reagent storages 2, 3 to the reserve reagent storage 21. In the automatic analyzer, the reserve reagent storage 21 is placed adjacent to the reagent storages 2, 3 and has a cover part 21b having an opening/closing part for taking the reagent containers 30 in and out of the reserve reagent storage 21, and the opening/closing part is a part of the external cover of the automatic analyzer 1 and enables the reagent containers 30 to be taken in and/or out from outside of the automatic analyzer 1 while the automatic analyzer is in operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer, a reagent replenishing device, and a reagent autoloading method.

  Conventionally, automatic analyzers analyze a sample by reacting a sample such as blood or urine with a reagent and measuring the optical characteristics of the reaction solution. The reagent used for the analysis is stored in a reagent container. Stored in reagent storage.

  In recent years, as the analysis speed of an automatic analyzer increases, the amount of reagent consumption increases, and it is necessary to frequently replenish and replace the reagent container for replenishment of the reagent. Therefore, a replenishment reagent storage for storing a replenishment reagent, and a reagent transporting means for transporting a reagent container from the replenishment reagent storage to a reagent disk having a reagent used for analysis, are provided. There has been proposed an automatic analyzer in which a reagent storage and a transport device are provided so as to straddle a reagent disk (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, a replenishing reagent storage for storing the replenishing reagent and a transport unit for transporting the stored reagent container to the reagent storage unit, the reagent storage and transport unit are connected to the automatic analyzer. A reagent replenishing device is disclosed that is detachably provided and transports a reagent container to be replaced on a substantially flush surface (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP-A-2005-37171 JP 2007-303879 A

  However, since the automatic analyzer disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided so as to straddle the reagent storage for replenishment and the transport device on the reagent disk, it may interfere with maintenance and the like. In addition, it is necessary to install a waste outlet for discarding empty reagent containers, which hinders space saving. Furthermore, there is a problem that replenishment of the reagent container to the reagent disk and disposal of the reagent container from the reagent disk cannot be performed at the same time, and it takes a long time to replace the reagent.

  On the other hand, the reagent replenishment device disclosed in Patent Document 2 also has a reagent storage section and a transport section that are detachable, and the reagent storage section and the reagent storage section are provided on substantially the same surface, so that the transport distance becomes long. There is a problem that it takes a long time to replace the reagent container. In addition, it is necessary to install an empty reagent container collection unit, which hinders space saving.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides an automatic analyzer, a reagent container replenishing device, and a reagent autoloading method capable of improving the analysis efficiency by reducing the time for reagent container replacement. With the goal.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an automatic analyzer according to the present invention is an automatic analyzer that optically analyzes a reaction product by reacting a specimen and a reagent, and contains the reagent. A reagent container that stores and cools a reagent container, a spare reagent container that stores and cools a reagent container that stores a reagent for replacement replacement, and a reagent container for replacement replacement stored in the preliminary reagent storage A transport device for transporting an empty reagent container to be transported to a reagent store and transporting it from the reagent store to the reserve reagent store, wherein the reserve reagent store is disposed adjacent to the reagent store and the reserve reagent store A lid having an opening / closing part for storing and / or discharging the reagent container to / from the container, the opening / closing part being a part of an external cover of the automatic analyzer, from the outside of the automatic analyzer During operation of the automatic analyzer, the reagent container Characterized in that to enable pay and / or discharge.

  Further, the automatic analyzer according to the present invention is the above invention, wherein the transport device transports a reagent container for replenishment and replacement from the spare reagent store to the reagent store and the spare reagent container empty from the reagent store. It is characterized by carrying to the reagent storage at the same time.

  In the automatic analyzer according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the transport device comprises two drive arms that rotate independently, and the gripping means supported by the drive arms via support means, respectively. It is characterized by sharing the transport of the reagent container from the reserve reagent store to the reagent store and the discharge of the reagent container from the reagent store to the reserve reagent store.

  Moreover, the automatic analyzer according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the gripping means grips the inside or the outside of the reagent dispensing port of the reagent container to be transported.

  In the automatic analyzer according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the preliminary reagent storage is provided with an openable / closable opening for loading and unloading the reagent container by the transport device in the lid.

  The automatic analyzer according to the present invention is the automatic analyzer according to the above invention, wherein the transport device grips the reagent dispensing port of the reagent container provided at the same position with respect to a reference position by the gripping means and has an internal volume. The plurality of different reagent containers are individually gripped and transported.

  The reagent replenishing device of the present invention is a reagent replenishing device for an automatic analyzer that reacts a specimen with a reagent and optically analyzes a reaction product, and contains a reagent container that contains a reagent for replenishment and replacement. A spare reagent store that is kept cold, a transport device for replenishment replacement from the spare reagent store to the reagent store, and a transport device that simultaneously transports an empty reagent container from the reagent store to the reserve reagent store, It is characterized by providing.

  The reagent replenishing device according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the preliminary reagent storage is disposed adjacent to the reagent storage.

  In the reagent replenishing device according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the preliminary reagent storage is provided with a lid having an openable and closable opening for loading and unloading of the reagent container by the transport device.

  In the reagent replenishing device according to the present invention, in the above invention, the lid portion includes an opening / closing portion for storing and / or discharging a reagent container separately from the opening portion, and the opening / closing portion includes the automatic analyzer. The reagent container can be stored and / or discharged from the outside of the automatic analyzer while the automatic analyzer is in operation.

  In the reagent replenishing device according to the present invention, in the above invention, the transport device includes two drive arms that rotate independently, and gripping means individually supported by the drive arms via support means. The transport of the reagent container from the preliminary reagent store to the reagent store and the transport of the reagent container from the reagent store to the reserve reagent store are performed in a shared manner.

  In the reagent replenishing device according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the gripping means grips the inside or the outside of the reagent dispensing port of the reagent container to be transported.

  In the reagent replenishing device according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the transport device grips the reagent dispensing port of the reagent container provided at the same position with respect to a reference position by the gripping means, and has an internal volume. The plurality of different reagent containers are individually gripped and transported.

  The reagent autoloading method of the present invention is a reagent autoloading method for an automatic analyzer that reacts a sample with a reagent and optically analyzes a reaction product, and is a reagent in a reagent container stored in a reagent store. A determination step for checking the remaining amount and determining whether or not reagent replacement is necessary, and if it is determined that reagent replacement is required in the determination step, the reagent trays in the reagent storage and the spare reagent storage are rotated. A transport step for transporting empty reagent containers to be discharged from the reagent store and reagent containers to be replenished and replaced from the reserve reagent store to predetermined positions, and using the transport device, the spare reagent store to the reagent store And a reagent container exchanging step of simultaneously transporting an empty reagent container from the reagent storage to the spare reagent storage.

  The reagent autoloading method of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the preliminary reagent storage is disposed adjacent to the reagent storage.

  The reagent autoloading method of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the preliminary reagent storage is provided with a lid having an openable and closable opening for loading and unloading of the reagent container by the reagent container gripping device. .

  In the reagent autoloading method according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the lid portion includes an opening / closing portion for storing and / or discharging a reagent container separately from the opening portion, and the opening / closing portion includes the automatic analysis. A part of the outside of the cover of the apparatus, wherein the reagent container can be stored and / or discharged directly from the outside of the automatic analyzer during operation of the automatic analyzer.

  In the reagent autoloading method of the present invention, in the above invention, in the reagent container replacement step, the transport device includes two drive arms that rotate independently, and the drive arms are provided via support means. The holding means individually supported by each of the above-mentioned components share the transport of the reagent containers from the preliminary reagent storage to the reagent storage and the transport of the reagent containers from the reagent storage to the preliminary reagent storage.

  The reagent autoloading method of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the gripping means grips the inside or the outside of the reagent dispensing port of the reagent container to be transported.

  According to the present invention, the preliminary reagent storage is arranged adjacent to the reagent storage, and the reagent container is replaced at the same time by the transport device having two drive arms, thereby reducing the time for replacing the reagent container and improving the analysis efficiency. There is an effect of making it possible to improve.

  Hereinafter, embodiments according to an automatic analyzer, a reagent replenishing device, and a reagent autoloading method of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the description of the present specification. . FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an automatic analyzer of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a reagent storage used in the automatic analyzer of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a reagent container used in the automatic analyzer of FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a preliminary reagent storage used in the automatic analyzer of FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the preliminary reagent storage of FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a transport device used in the automatic analyzer of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 dispenses a specimen and a reagent into a reaction container 5, and optically measures a reaction occurring in the dispensed reaction container 5, and the measurement mechanism 40. And a control mechanism 50 for analyzing the measurement result in the measurement mechanism 40 as well as controlling the entire automatic analyzer 1 including the above. The automatic analyzer 1 automatically performs biochemical, immunological or genetic analysis of a plurality of specimens by cooperation of these two mechanisms.

  The measurement mechanism 40 is roughly divided into first and second reagent storages 2 and 3, reaction table 4, first and second reagent dispensing devices 6 and 7, sample container transfer mechanism 8, rack 9, analysis optical system 11, and washing. A mechanism 12, first and second stirring devices 13 and 14, a sample dispensing device 20, a preliminary reagent storage 21, and a transport device 22 are provided. These units included in the measurement mechanism 40 and the control mechanism 50 are electrically connected to the control unit 15.

  As shown in FIG. 1, each of the first and second reagent storages 2 and 3 has a plurality of reagent containers 30 arranged in the circumferential direction, and is rotated by driving means to convey the reagent containers 30 in the circumferential direction. Each of the plurality of reagent containers 30 is filled with a reagent corresponding to the inspection item, and an information recording medium (not shown) on which information such as the type, lot, and expiration date of the stored reagent is recorded is added to the outer surface. . Here, on the outer periphery of the first and second reagent tables 2 and 3, there is a reading device (not shown) that reads the reagent information recorded on the information recording medium added to the reagent container 30 and outputs it to the control unit 15. is set up. In addition, cold storage tanks are respectively provided below the first and second reagent storages 2 and 3. When the reagent container 30 is stored in each of the first and second reagent storages 2 and 3 and the lid is closed, the reagent stored in the reagent container 30 is kept at a constant temperature by the cold storage tank. Evaporation and denaturation of the reagent stored in the container 30 are suppressed.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the first reagent storage 2 (same as the second reagent storage 3) usually has a lid 2b attached to the top, and the lid 2b is moved in the direction of the arrow along the lid surface direction by an actuator. A shutter 2d that opens and closes the opening 2c is attached. The shutter 2d is opened not only when the reagent is dispensed but also when the reagent container 30 is replaced when the remaining amount of the reagent in the reagent container 30 decreases. The shutter 2d may be provided with a dispensing hole through which a dispensing probe 6b of the second reagent dispensing device 6 described later is inserted when reagent dispensing is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of reagent containers 30 housed in the first reagent storage 2 are provided with a cylindrical reagent dispensing port 30a for dispensing a reagent at the top, and the reagent dispensing port 30a is made of aluminum. Sealed with a sealing member 30b such as foil. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, there are a plurality of types of reagent containers 30 such as a reagent container 30A having an internal volume of 120 mL, a reagent container 30B having an internal volume of 60 mL, and a reagent container 30C having an internal volume of 30 mL. Some are in quantity. For this reason, the first and second reagent storages 2 and 3 remove a partition plate that holds the reagent container 30B that is normally used when storing the large reagent container 30A, thereby securing a large storage space. Moreover, when accommodating the small reagent container 30C, a partition plate is added to secure a small accommodating space.

  In the reagent containers 30A to 30C, the reagent dispensing port 30a is provided at the same position with the outer wall 30c corresponding to the end surface on the dispensing port 30a side among the four outer walls as a reference position. In this case, when the reagent containers 30A to 30C have the same size of the reagent dispensing port 30a, the gripping operation by the gripping member 22b (see FIG. 6) of the transfer device 22 described later can be uniformly unified. It is more preferable. The reagent container 30A is provided with a knob 30d in addition to the dispensing port 30a at the top.

  The first reagent dispensing device 6 includes an arm 6a that freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around a vertical line passing through its base end as a central axis. A probe 6b for aspirating and discharging the first reagent is attached to the tip of the arm 6a. The first reagent dispensing device 6 includes an intake / exhaust mechanism using an unillustrated intake / exhaust syringe or piezoelectric element. The first reagent dispensing device 6 sucks the first reagent from the reagent container 30 transferred to a predetermined position on the first reagent storage 2 by the probe 6b, and rotates the arm 6a clockwise in the drawing. Then, the first reagent is discharged into the reaction vessel 5 to perform dispensing.

  The second reagent dispensing device 7 includes an arm 7a that freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around the vertical line passing through the base end of the second reagent as a central axis. A probe 7b for aspirating and discharging the second reagent is attached to the tip of the arm 7a. The second reagent dispensing device 7 includes an intake / exhaust mechanism using an unillustrated intake / exhaust syringe or piezoelectric element. The second reagent dispensing device 7 sucks the second reagent from the reagent container 30 transferred to the predetermined position on the second reagent storage 3 by the probe 7b, and turns the arm 7a counterclockwise in the figure. Then, the second reagent is discharged into the reaction vessel 5 to perform dispensing.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the reaction table 4 includes a plurality of reaction vessels 5 arranged in the circumferential direction. The reaction table 4 has an arrow by a driving means different from the driving means for driving the first and second reagent storages 2 and 3. To move the reaction vessel 5 in the circumferential direction. An openable and closable lid and a thermostat (not shown) are respectively provided above and below the reaction table 4. The constant temperature bath is heated and adjusted to a temperature that promotes the reaction between the specimen dispensed into the reaction vessel 5 and the reagent. The reaction table 4 is disposed between the light source 11a and the spectroscopic unit 11b, and has a holding unit 4a that holds the reaction vessel 5 and an optical path 4b that includes a circular opening that guides the light beam emitted from the light source 11a to the spectroscopic unit 11b. is doing. The holding part 4a is arranged on the outer periphery of the reaction table 4 at a predetermined interval along the circumferential direction, and an optical path 4b extending in the radial direction is formed on the inner peripheral side of the holding part 4a.

  The reaction vessel 5 is an optically transparent material that transmits 80% or more of the light contained in the analysis light (340 to 800 nm) emitted from the analysis optical system 11, such as glass containing heat-resistant glass, cyclic olefin, or polystyrene. It is a container called a cuvette formed into a square cylinder shape by the like. In the reaction container 5, the reagent is dispensed from the reagent container 30 stored in the first and second reagent storages 2, 3 by the first and second reagent dispensing devices 6, 7 provided in the vicinity. Here, the first and second reagent dispensing devices 6 and 7 are respectively rotated in a horizontal plane, and provided with probes 6b and 7b for dispensing reagents on arms 6a and 7a that are vertically moved up and down. .

  As shown in FIG. 1, the specimen container transfer mechanism 8 transfers the plurality of arranged racks 9 while stepping one by one along the arrow direction. The rack 9 holds a plurality of sample containers 9a that store samples. Here, the specimen container 9a is attached with an information recording medium (not shown) on which information on the contained specimen is recorded, and each time the step of the rack 9 transported by the specimen container transport mechanism 8 stops, The sample is dispensed into each reaction container 5 by the injection device 20. The sample dispensing apparatus 20 is provided with a dispensing probe 20b that rotates in a horizontal plane and dispenses a reagent to an arm 20a that is moved up and down in the vertical direction. Here, in the vicinity of the rack, there is a reading device (not shown) that reads the sample information and the container information of the sample container 9a recorded on the information recording medium attached to the sample container 9a and outputs them to the control unit 15. is set up.

  The sample dispensing device 20 includes an arm 20a that freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around a vertical line passing through the base end of the sample dispensing apparatus 20 as a central axis. A probe 20b for aspirating and discharging the specimen is attached to the tip of the arm 20a. The sample dispensing apparatus 20 includes an intake / exhaust mechanism using an intake / exhaust syringe or a piezoelectric element (not shown). The sample dispensing apparatus 20 aspirates the sample by the probe 20b from the sample container 9a transferred to the predetermined position on the sample transfer mechanism 8 described above, rotates the arm 20a clockwise in FIG. Dispensing the sample.

  The analysis optical system 11 is an optical system for analyzing by transmitting the analysis light (340 to 800 nm) through the liquid sample in the reaction container 5 in which the reagent and the sample have reacted, and includes a light source 11a, a spectroscopic unit 11b, and a light receiving unit. 11c. The analysis light emitted from the light source 11a passes through the liquid sample in the reaction vessel 5 and is received by the light receiving unit 11c provided at a position facing the spectroscopic unit 11b. The light receiving unit 11 c is connected to the control unit 15.

  The cleaning mechanism 12 sucks and discharges the liquid sample in the reaction vessel 5 by the nozzle 12a, and then repeatedly injects and sucks a cleaning liquid such as detergent and cleaning water by the nozzle 12a, thereby performing analysis by the analysis optical system 11. The reaction vessel 5 that has been completed is washed. Although the washed reaction vessel 5 is reused, the reaction vessel 5 may be discarded after completion of one measurement depending on the contents of inspection.

  The first and second stirring devices 13 and 14 stir the specimen and reagent dispensed in the reaction vessel 5 with the stirring rods 13a and 14a to make the reaction uniform.

  The spare reagent storage 21 cools and stores the reagent container 30 that stores the reagent for replenishment and replacement. The spare reagent storage 21 stores the reagent container 30 to be replenished and replaced when the remaining amount of the reagent in the reagent container 30 stored in the first and second reagent storages 2 and 3 decreases due to the dispensing of the reagent. A cold storage tank is provided at the lower part of the preliminary reagent storage 21 in the same manner as the first and second reagent storages 2 and 3 so that the internal storage of the preliminary reagent storage 21 can be used immediately after replacement of the reagent container. Is cooled to substantially the same temperature as the first and second reagent containers 2 and 3. A plurality of reagent containers 30 are arranged in the spare reagent storage 21 in the circumferential direction, and are rotated by the driving means to transport the reagent containers 30 in the circumferential direction. The plurality of reagent containers 30 are filled with a reagent for replenishment and replacement, and an information recording medium (not shown) on which information such as the type, lot, and expiration date of the stored reagent is recorded is added to the outer surface. Here, a reading device (not shown) that reads the reagent information recorded on the information recording medium added to the reagent container 30 and outputs it to the control unit 15 is installed on the outer periphery of the spare reagent storage 21. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the preliminary reagent storage 21 is disposed adjacent to the first and second reagent storages 2 and 3.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the preliminary reagent storage 21 has a lid portion 21 b including an opening / closing portion 21 e that is a part of an external cover (not shown) of the automatic analyzer 1. A handle 21f for opening / closing the opening / closing portion 21e is arranged on the surface side of the opening / closing portion 21e. By pulling the handle 21f upward, the opening / closing portion 21e is moved around the hinge portion 21g as a rotation shaft to open / close the opening / closing portion 21e. To do. As shown in FIG. 5, the opening / closing part 21e has a structure protruding to the outside of the upper cover 101 forming a part of the outer cover 102 of the automatic analyzer 1, and by opening and closing the protruding opening / closing part 21e by using this structure. The reagent container 30 can be replenished and / or discharged from the outside of the automatic analyzer 1 while the automatic analyzer 1 is being driven. Further, a shutter 21d is attached to the lid portion 21b by sliding it in the direction of the arrow along the lid surface direction by an actuator to open and close the opening 21c. The shutter 21d is a reagent container in the first and second reagent storages 2 and 3. When the remaining amount of reagent in 30 is reduced, it is opened when replenishing and replacing the reagent container 30 stored in the spare reagent storage 21.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the transport device 22 includes a reagent container 30 transported to a reagent container replacement position in the first reagent store 2 (also in the second reagent store 3), and a spare reagent store 21. It is supported by the drive arms 22a-1 and 22a-2 and the drive arms 22a-1 and 22a-2 that rotate horizontally between the reagent containers 30 transported to the reagent container exchange position and move up and down in the vertical direction. Holding members 22b-1 and 22b-2 supported via members 22d-1 and 22d-2, and support columns 22c-1 and 22c-2 that support the drive arms 22a-1 and 22a-2, respectively. Yes. As shown in FIG. 6, the conveying device 22 moves the two drive arms 22a-1 and 22a-2 up and down and independently rotates them, as shown in FIG. A drive mechanism 23 having 25 is provided. The rotating motors 24-1 and 24-2 are wheels 24b-1 and 24b-2 attached to the rotating shafts 24a-1 and 24a-2 and wheels 22f-1 and 22f attached to the columns 22c-1 and 22c-2. -Min. Belts 24c-1 and 24c-2 are wound around. The elevating motor 25 rotates the screw shaft 25e by the timing belt 25c, and moves the elevating block 25d up and down along the screw shaft 25e. The timing belt 25c is wound around a wheel 25b attached to a rotary shaft 25a (not shown) of the lifting motor 25 and a wheel 25f attached to the lower end of the screw shaft 25e. Here, the lifting block 25d is attached to the lower end of the support 22c-1 to support the supports 22c-1 and 22c-2, and constitutes a ball screw together with the screw shaft 25e. In FIG. 6, the gripping members 22 b-1 and 22 b-2 of the transport device 22 do not have the rotation mechanism of the reagent container 30, but the first reagent storage 2 and the second reagent storage 3 and the spare reagent storage 21 are installed. Considering the relationship with the position, it is preferable that the gripping members 22b-1 and 22b-2 have a rotation mechanism of the reagent container 30.

  The gripping members 22b-1 and 22b-2 are cylindrical rubber hollow bodies that are expanded by injecting air and grip the reagent dispensing port 30a of the reagent container 30 from the inside or the outside. When the reagent dispensing port 30a is gripped from the outside, the rubber gripping members 22b-1 and 22b-2 are each provided with a cover for restricting the outward bulge thereof. Further, even when the reagent container 30 is a case where a plurality of types of reagent containers having different contents, such as the reagent container 30A, the reagent container 30B, and the reagent container 30C shown in FIG. Of the four outer walls 30A to 30C, the reagent dispensing port 30a is provided at the same position with the outer wall 30c corresponding to the end surface on the reagent dispensing port 30a side as a reference position. The size of the reagent dispensing port 30a By making the same, the gripping operations by the gripping members 22b-1 and 22b-2 of the transport device 22 can be uniformly unified.

  Next, the control mechanism 50 will be described. The control mechanism 50 includes a control unit 15, an input unit 16, an output unit 17, an analysis unit 18, and a storage unit 19. The control unit 15 is connected to each unit included in the measurement mechanism 40 and the control mechanism 50. In order to control the operation of these units, a microcomputer or the like is used as the control unit 15. The control unit 15 performs predetermined input / output control on information input / output to / from each of these components, and performs predetermined information processing on the information. The control unit 15 controls the operation of each unit of the automatic analyzer 1, and stops the analysis work when the reagent lot or expiration date is out of the set range based on the information read from the information recording medium. The automatic analyzer 1 is controlled or a warning is issued to the operator. In addition, the control unit 15 includes a reagent remaining amount calculation unit 15a and a reagent replacement determination unit 15b. The reagent remaining amount calculation unit 15a detects the reagent remaining amount in the reagent container 30 stored in the first and second reagent storages 2 and 3, and the reagent replacement determination unit 15b is detected by the reagent remaining amount calculation unit 15a. Whether or not reagent replacement is necessary is determined based on the remaining reagent amount. Here, the control unit 15 also has a function as a conveyance control unit that controls the operation of the conveyance device 22.

  The input unit 16 is configured by using a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and acquires various information necessary for analyzing a sample, instruction information for analysis operation, and the like from the outside. The analysis unit 18 calculates absorbance and the like based on the measurement result acquired from the analysis optical system 11, and performs component analysis of the specimen. The storage unit 19 is configured using a hard disk that magnetically stores information and a memory that loads various programs related to the process from the hard disk and electrically stores them when the automatic analyzer 1 executes the process. Various information including the analysis result of the specimen is stored. The storage unit 19 may include an auxiliary storage device that can read information stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a PC card. The output unit 17 is configured using a printer, a communication mechanism, and the like, and outputs various information including the analysis result of the sample.

  In the automatic analyzer 1 configured as described above, the first reagent dispensing device 6 dispenses the first reagent in the reagent container 30 to the plurality of reaction containers 5 that are sequentially conveyed in a row. Thereafter, the sample dispensing device 20 dispenses the sample in the sample container 9a, the second reagent dispensing device 7 dispenses the second reagent in the reagent container 30, and the analysis optical system 11 causes the sample and the reagent to be dispensed. The sample is in a state of being reacted with each other, and the analysis unit 18 analyzes the measurement result, whereby the component analysis of the specimen is automatically performed. In addition, the cleaning mechanism 12 is cleaned while transporting the reaction vessel 5 transported after the measurement by the analysis optical system 11 is completed, so that a series of analysis operations are continuously performed repeatedly.

  Next, replacement of the reagent container 30 by the transport device 22 will be described with reference to a reagent container replacement flowchart shown in FIG. Hereinafter, replenishment and replacement of the reagent container 30 performed between the first reagent storage 2 and the spare reagent storage 21 will be described. However, the reagent container 30 replenishment performed between the second reagent storage 3 and the preliminary reagent storage 21 will be described. The exchange is performed in the same way.

  First, under the control of the control unit 15, various information related to the reagent in the reagent container 30 is read by a reading device (not shown) provided in the first reagent storage 2, and the information is stored in the storage unit 19. The reagent remaining amount calculation unit 15a detects the remaining amount of reagent in each reagent container 30 stored in the first reagent store 2 (the same applies to the second reagent store 3) (step S100). The reagent remaining amount is calculated by, for example, comparing the reagent information of the reagent container 30 with the past reagent usage amount. The reagent replacement determination unit 15b determines whether or not reagent replacement is necessary based on the reagent remaining amount calculated by the reagent remaining amount calculation unit 15a (step S101).

  Here, it is preferable that an operator stores in advance the reagent container 30 containing the reagent that is predicted to run out of reagents at the time of acceptance of the inspection order in the spare reagent storage 21. Prediction of the reagent shortage is performed by the reagent remaining amount calculation unit 15a, and based on the analysis items (actual results) analyzed in the past stored in the storage unit 19 and the reagent usage amounts (actual results) for each past use period. The reagent remaining amount may be calculated by predicting the reagent usage amount based on the analysis item estimated value according to the reagent remaining amount up to the previous day and the reagent usage record for a predetermined period (for example, one day, one week, etc.) Alternatively, the remaining amount of the reagent may be calculated by calculating a reagent usage amount corresponding to each received analysis item after receiving the inspection order. When it is predicted that reagent replacement is necessary, the output unit 17 warns the operator about the reagent shortage reagent, and the operator thereby sets the reagent container 30 containing the reagent predicted to be reagent shortage as a spare reagent. The storage 21 is replenished in advance. In addition, when the reagent container 30 is replenished to the spare reagent storage 21, the identification code of the reagent container 30 is read by a reading device (not shown), and the read reagent information is stored in the storage unit 19.

  If the reagent replacement determination unit 15b determines that the reagent replacement is necessary due to the progress of the analysis (step S101, Yes), the control unit 15 stores the first reagent container 2 that stores the reagent container 30 determined to require the reagent replacement. The reagent tray (as in the second reagent store 3) is rotated to transport the reagent container 30 to the reagent container replacement position (step S102). The reagent container replacement position is the lower part of the opening 2c that is opened by opening and closing the shutter 2d. At the same time, the reagent tray 21i of the preliminary reagent storage 21 is rotated to transport the reagent container 30 to be replaced and replenished to the reagent container replacement position (step S103). The reagent container replacement position is below the opening 21c that is opened by opening and closing the shutter 21d. When reagent replacement is not required by the reagent replacement determination unit 15b (No at Step S101), Steps S100 to 101 are repeated.

  The empty reagent container 30 in the first reagent storage 2 and the reagent container 30 for replenishment replacement in the spare reagent storage 21 are respectively transported to the reagent container replacement position, and two drive arms 22a- 1, 2 2 a-2 are transported to the reagent container replacement positions of the first reagent storage 2 and the preliminary reagent storage 21 by the rotation motor 24, respectively. When the drive arms 22a-1 and 22a-2 are transported to the reagent container replacement position, the opening 2c and the shutter 2d of the lid 2b of the first reagent storage 2 and the shutter 21d of the lid 21b of the preliminary reagent storage 21 are opened. Opening 21c is opened. The gripping members 22b-1 and 22b-2 supported by the drive arms 22a-1 and 22a-2 via the support members 22d-1 and 22d-2 are moved to the reagent dispensing port 30a of the reagent container 30 by the lifting motor 25. It is lowered from the opening 2c or the opening 21c. The gripping members 22b-1 and 22b-2 are expanded by injecting air and grip the inside or the outside of the reagent dispensing port 30a of the reagent container 30, respectively. After gripping the reagent dispensing port 30 a by the gripping members 22 b-1 and 22 b-2, the gripping members 22 b-1 and 22 b-2 gripping the reagent container 30 are lifted by the lifting motor 25, and the preliminary reagents are driven by the rotating motors 24. The replenishment transport of the reagent container 30 from the storage 21 to the first reagent storage 2 and the discharge transport of the reagent container 30 from the first reagent storage 2 to the spare reagent storage 21 are shared and performed simultaneously (step S104). After the reagent container 30 is replenished and replaced, the opening 2c and the opening 21c are closed by closing the shutter 2d and the shutter 21d.

  When the reagent lot stored in the reagent container 30 replenished and replaced in the first reagent storage 2 is the same as the reagent used so far, the replaced reagent is used as it is for the analysis. On the other hand, when the lots are different, the standard sample is transferred by the sample container transfer mechanism 8, and after the calibration curve is created using the standard sample, the replenished reagent is used for the analysis.

  Thus, according to the present invention, the empty reagent container 30 is discharged and transported from the first and second reagent storages 2 and 3 to the preliminary reagent storage 21, and the first and second reagent storages 2 are transferred from the preliminary reagent storage 21. Since the replenishment and transportation of the reagent container 30 to 3 can be performed simultaneously, the time required for the reagent container replacement can be greatly reduced. Further, since the empty reagent container 30 is once discharged to the spare reagent storage 21, it is not necessary to install a recovery unit for the reagent container 30, and the space can be saved in the automatic analyzer 1. Furthermore, since the opening / closing part 21e of the spare reagent storage 21 is a part of the external cover 102 of the automatic analyzer 1, the opening / closing part 21e can be opened and closed from the outside of the automatic analyzer 1, and the automatic analyzer 1 is in operation. Since the reagent container 30 can be stored in and / or discharged from the spare reagent storage 21 without opening and closing the upper cover 101 of the automatic analyzer 1, an unexpected shortage of reagents occurs due to an additional inspection order. For example, the reagent can be replenished and exchanged without interrupting the analysis of the automatic analyzer 1, thereby further improving the analysis efficiency.

  Further, the automatic analyzer 1 has been described with respect to the case where the reagent container 30 is replaced during the analysis. As a result of the confirmation, the reagent container 30 may need to be replaced due to the expiration of the expiration date, the reagent running out, or the like. Even in such a case, the reagent container 30 can be replaced under the above-described procedure before the analysis is started.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the case where a cylindrical rubber hollow body is employed as the gripping members 22b-1 and 22b-2 has been described. However, as a modification of the present invention, the upper part on the outer wall side of the reagent container is used. A hooking portion may be provided at a position where the center of gravity can be taken, and the drive arm of the transport device may be configured such that the hook portion is supported by a support member and the hook portion is hooked on the hooking portion of the reagent container. In addition to the case where the adapter is directly attached to the adapter, a method may be employed in which a adapter for transporting having a hooking portion is used, and the hook portion is hooked on the hooking portion of the adapter to transport the reagent container together with the adapter.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the automatic analyzer of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the reagent store | warehouse | chamber used with the automatic analyzer of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the example of the reagent container used with the automatic analyzer of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the reserve reagent store | warehouse | chamber used with the automatic analyzer of FIG. It is a perspective view showing a part of automatic analyzer of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the conveying apparatus used with the automatic analyzer of FIG. It is a flowchart of reagent container replacement | exchange concerning this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic analyzer 2, 3 1st and 2nd reagent storage 2b Cover part 2c Opening 2d Shutter 30, 30A, 30B, 30C Reagent container 30a Reagent dispensing port 4 Reaction table 4a Holding part 4b Optical path 5 Reaction container 6, 7 1st 1 and second reagent dispensing device 8 sample container transfer mechanism 9 rack 9a sample container 11 analysis optical system 12 cleaning mechanism 13, 14 first and second stirring devices 15 control unit 15a reagent remaining amount calculation unit 15b reagent replacement determination unit 16 Input unit 17 Output unit 18 Analyzing unit 19 Storage unit 20 Sample dispensing device 21 Preliminary reagent storage 21b Lid unit 21c Opening 21d Shutter 21e Opening / closing unit 21f Handle 21g Hinge unit 21h Main unit 21i Reagent tray 22 Transport device 22a-1, 22a- 2 Drive arm 22b-1, 22b-2 Gripping member 22c-1, 22c-2 Post 22d 1, 22d-2 Support member 22f-1, 22f-2 Wheel 23 Drive mechanism 24-1, 24-2 Rotating motor 24a-1, 24a-2, 25a Rotating shaft 24b-1, 24b-2, 25b, 25f Wheel 24c-1, 24c-2, 25c Timing belt 25 Lifting motor 25e Screw shaft 25d Lifting block 40 Measuring mechanism 50 Control mechanism 101 Upper cover 102 External cover

Claims (19)

An automatic analyzer for optically analyzing a reaction product by reacting a specimen and a reagent,
A reagent storage for storing a reagent container for storing the reagent and keeping it cool;
A spare reagent storage for storing and cooling a reagent container containing a reagent for replenishment and replacement;
A transport device for transporting a reagent container for replenishment and replacement stored in the spare reagent store to the reagent store, and transporting an empty reagent container from the reagent store to the reserve reagent store;
The preliminary reagent storage is disposed adjacent to the reagent storage, and has a lid portion having an opening / closing portion for storing and / or discharging the reagent container in the preliminary reagent storage, Is a part of the external cover of the automatic analyzer, and allows the reagent container to be stored and / or discharged from the outside of the automatic analyzer during operation of the automatic analyzer.   The transport device simultaneously transports a reagent container for replenishment and replacement from the spare reagent store to the reagent store and transports an empty reagent container from the reagent store to the reserve reagent store. Item 2. The automatic analyzer according to Item 1.   The transport device includes two drive arms that rotate independently, and gripping means individually supported by the drive arms via support means transports the reagent containers from the preliminary reagent store to the reagent store. 3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein transport of the reagent container from the reagent storage to the spare reagent storage is performed in a shared manner.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 3, wherein the gripping unit grips the inside or the outside of the reagent dispensing port of the reagent container to be transported.   5. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the preliminary reagent storage includes an openable / closable opening for loading and unloading of a reagent container by the transport device in the lid. .   The transport device grips and transports the plurality of reagent containers having different contents by gripping the reagent dispensing port of the reagent container provided at the same position with respect to the reference position by the gripping means. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A reagent replenishing device for an automatic analyzer that reacts a sample with a reagent and optically analyzes the reaction product,
A spare reagent storage for storing and cooling a reagent container containing a reagent for replenishment and replacement;
A transport device that simultaneously transports a reagent container for replenishment and replacement from the preliminary reagent store to the reagent store, and transports an empty reagent container from the reagent store to the reserve reagent store,
A reagent replenishing device comprising:   The reagent replenishing device according to claim 7, wherein the preliminary reagent storage is disposed adjacent to the reagent storage.   9. The reagent replenishing device according to claim 7, wherein the preliminary reagent storage includes a lid portion having an openable and closable opening for carrying in / out the reagent container by the carrying device.   In addition to the opening, the lid includes an opening / closing part for storing and / or discharging a reagent container, and the opening / closing part is a part of an external cover of the automatic analyzer, and the automatic analyzer 10. The reagent replenishing device according to claim 9, wherein the reagent container can be stored and / or discharged from the outside during operation of the automatic analyzer.   The transport device includes two drive arms that rotate independently, and gripping means individually supported by the drive arms via support means transports the reagent containers from the preliminary reagent store to the reagent store. The reagent replenishing device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the transport of the reagent container from the reagent storage to the spare reagent storage is performed in a shared manner.   The reagent replenishing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the gripping means grips the inside or the outside of the reagent dispensing port of the reagent container to be transported.   The transport device grips and transports the plurality of reagent containers having different contents by gripping the reagent dispensing port of the reagent container provided at the same position with respect to the reference position by the gripping means. The reagent replenishing device according to any one of claims 7 to 12. A reagent autoloading method for an automatic analyzer that reacts a sample with a reagent and optically analyzes the reaction product,
A determination step for checking the remaining amount of the reagent in the reagent container stored in the reagent store and determining whether or not reagent replacement is necessary;
When it is determined in the determination step that a reagent needs to be replaced, an empty reagent container that rotates the reagent tray in the reagent storage and a spare reagent storage adjacent to the reagent storage to be discharged from the reagent storage And a transport step for transporting each of the reagent containers to be replenished and replaced from the spare reagent store to predetermined positions,
A reagent container replacement step for simultaneously transporting a reagent container for replenishment and replacement from the spare reagent store to the reagent store and transporting an empty reagent container from the reagent store to the spare reagent store using a transport device; ,
A reagent autoloading method comprising:   15. The reagent autoloading method according to claim 14, wherein the spare reagent store is disposed adjacent to the reagent store.   16. The reagent autoloading method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the preliminary reagent storage includes a lid having an openable and closable opening for loading and unloading of a reagent container by the transport device.   In addition to the opening, the lid includes an opening / closing part for storing and / or discharging a reagent container, and the opening / closing part is a part of an external cover of the automatic analyzer, and the automatic analyzer The reagent autoloading method according to claim 16, further comprising a reagent container replenishing step of storing and / or discharging the reagent container from outside the automatic analyzer during operation.   In the reagent container exchanging step, the transport device includes two drive arms that rotate independently, and gripping means individually supported by the drive arms via support means from the preliminary reagent storage to the reagent. The reagent autoloading method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein transfer of the reagent container to the storage and transfer of the reagent container from the reagent storage to the spare reagent storage are performed in a shared manner. .   The reagent autoloading method according to claim 18, wherein the gripping means grips the inside or the outside of the reagent dispensing port of the reagent container to be transported.

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